Sagging skin can be a consequence of age as well as of poor health and insufficient nutrition. While a healthful diet, adequate hydration and regular exercise can help to maintain the firmness of skin from the inside out, certain essential oils can help to improve the appearance sagging skin when applied topically. Essential oils of rose, neroli and frankincense are all beneficial to sagging skin.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil is made from rose petals. According to Rose Magazine, there are three types of roses that are used to produce rose oil: rosa damascena, rosa centafolia and rosa gallica. Each of these rose oils has a distinctive fragrance and color, but all are equally nourishing to the skin. In addition to being soothing, anti-inflammatory and sweet-smelling, rose essential oil has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. It is especially well suited to skin that is aging or lacking in firmness and tightness. To make a refreshing, skin-tightening toner, mix 1 tbsp. of rose oil with 1 1/2 liters of water or witch hazel; keep this mixture refrigerated. Apply it with a cotton ball after cleansing the skin.
Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil is made from the white, waxy, star-shaped blossoms of the Seville orange tree. It has a heady, slightly citrus odor. Neroli oil is ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skin, and beneficial to aging and sagging skin. Like rose oil, neroli oil is rejuvenating to the skin. According to The Gloss this essential oil also contains a natural chemical called citral, which can promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells. To make a nourishing, skin-firming cream, mix 2 to 3 drops of neroli essential oil with 1 tbsp. of mild, fragrance-free facial cream; apply this mixture to the skin using gentle, circular motions.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil has anti-aging properties, making it ideal for sagging skin. According to "The Essential Oils Desk Reference," frankincense also helps to prevent and reduce wrinkles, and to lend a smooth, refined appearance to the skin. Like neroli oil, it can promote the growth of new, firm skin cells; like both rose and neroli, it is rejuvenating to the skin. To make a wrinkle-reducing, skin-firming, moisturizing mask, combine 2 to 3 drops of frankincense essential oil with 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil; gently rub this mixture into the skin, and leave it in place for 15 to 30 minutes. Wipe off the excess with a warm, moist cloth, leaving a thin film of the oil on the skin.
References
- "The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances"; Julie Gabriel, 2008.
- "Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics"; Barbara Close, 2005.
- "Essential Oils Desk Reference"; Essential Science Publishing, 2007.
- The Gloss: Anti-Aging Benefits of Neroli and Lavender
- Rose Magazine: Therapeutic Benefits of Roses
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